About
Racine Zoo Education Programs include live animal educational programs, birthday parties, Zoo Slumber Safaris, holiday events, the Wildlife Explorers school program, Zoo summer camps, scout programs, and Behind-the-Scenes Encounters and Tours. The Conservation Education Department runs these programs and focuses on conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining zoo experiences for visiting children and families.
The Racine Zoo was established in March 1923 by Jacob Stoffel, Jr. as a nonprofit located in Racine, Wisconsin. It cares for approximately 75 different species and over 300 individual animals from Wisconsin and around the world, and each year more than 140,000 guests visit its 32-acre park. The zoo maintains a staff of 25 full-time employees, including animal care specialists, administration, and facility managers. The Racine Zoo states its mission as fostering an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature, with a focus on recreation and education, conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science. The zoo recognizes that its home sits on the traditional lands of many Great Lakes Nations, including Peoria, Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo). The Racine Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has received multiple local and state recognitions, including the 2022 Governor's Tourism Service Excellence Award and repeated “Best Place to Take Kids,” “Best Summer Camp,” “Best Family Fun,” and “Top Place to Take Kids” honors from Racine Journal Times, Kids Out & About, and Hulafrog between 2021 and 2024.
Last updated July 28, 2026.
The Racine Zoo was established in March 1923 by Jacob Stoffel, Jr. as a nonprofit located in Racine, Wisconsin. It cares for approximately 75 different species and over 300 individual animals from Wisconsin and around the world, and each year more than 140,000 guests visit its 32-acre park. The zoo maintains a staff of 25 full-time employees, including animal care specialists, administration, and facility managers. The Racine Zoo states its mission as fostering an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature, with a focus on recreation and education, conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science. The zoo recognizes that its home sits on the traditional lands of many Great Lakes Nations, including Peoria, Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo). The Racine Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has received multiple local and state recognitions, including the 2022 Governor's Tourism Service Excellence Award and repeated “Best Place to Take Kids,” “Best Summer Camp,” “Best Family Fun,” and “Top Place to Take Kids” honors from Racine Journal Times, Kids Out & About, and Hulafrog between 2021 and 2024.
Last updated July 28, 2026.
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